Puerto Rico overcomes the Colombian challenge and advances to the semifinals

 LIMA, Peru, May 8, 2019 - Puerto Rico advanced to the semifinal of the IV U21 Pan American Cup after defeating a challenging and impetuous Colombian team with a score of 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 33-31 ) at the Manuel Bonilla Coliseum in Miraflores.

 The match was highlighted by very intense rallies, in which both teams showed the best of their defense; but finally the experience of the Puerto Ricans led them to victory and to approach their classification to the U21 Men's World Championship.

 Pedro Molina, Johan León and Ventura Peluzzo added 19, 15 and 10 points, respectively, each to the triumph of their team. For Colombia, the highest score came from its captain, Jharold Caicedo with 9 units.

The winning team got 6 direct service points and dominated in attack (49-28), but was overtake by Colombia (9-6) in blocks.

Francisco Negrón, coach of Puerto Rico: Colombia is a young team but very tall and athletic, but the guys followed the instructions and we got the result. We did not expect to get to go to stage, I am very happy for the work that everyone is doing.

 Carlos Osorio, Colombian technical director: After defeating Chile yesterday, we arrived very motivated for today's games because it was something we did not expect. Today we also wanted to give the surprise, it was not achieved but we are happy, many positive things, others for working but that's what we came for, to learn and gain the greatest experience.

With today's result, Puerto Rico is among the four best of the competition and this Friday, May 10 will measure forces against Canada in a valid duel for the pass to the grand final.